________________ Lessons of Ahimsa und Anekanta for Contemporary Life Thus, relying on the principles of nayavada and syadvada, anekantavada has the great potential to eliminate violent argument between ideological opponents by methodically both disarming and persuading them. Here we see the importance of anekantavada in fostering a sense of nonviolence or attempting to reduce violence. It is neither a thesis about skepticism or uncertainty nor a formulation of probability, but a thesis about non-exclusive predication based on the recognition that a given thing includes a potentially unlimited number of characteristics. It is, thus, a method of reconciling opposites, and making it attractive for persons holding opposing views to enter into dialogue and negotiate their differences, thus avoiding violent confrontation. Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org
